THE Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Association of Hayes held an interfaith Peace Symposium, titled Peace – The Role Women Can Play, at the Baitul Amn Mosque in Hillingdon on Saturday.

There were 50 people presnt from different faith, races and walks of life.

Guests were given a welcome bag, which included a book by the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad. They were also able to visit an exhibition on Islam and the Holy Qur’an .

Speakers included the president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Association of Hayes, Tahira Uppal, PC Shabina Ahmad on how police are trying to bring communities together and the Rev Helen Watson of the Methodist Church.

Keynote speaker was Dr Sadia Ayaz, who highlighted how the word Islam means peace and submission and went on to discuss the rights Islam brought for women (such as the right to inheritance and divorce).

The final address was from Marion Ingerson Heart, who shared her thoughts on women’s role in achieving peace and her poem, Are You a Woman?

The event concluded with silent prayer and refreshments